In some cases, a family member will take on the responsibility of taking care of a loved one, while others, because of circumstances, are unable to do this due to their own life commitments, and in no way should burden themselves with feelings of guilt.

All too often when our elderly are admitted to our nursing homes, or long term care facilities, they soon become forgotten by family members and friends, and are left facing their final days and months alone, and feeling that there is not a person in the world who love them.

Can you imagine what a terrible feeling this must be?

It is so tragic when an elderly person loses a lifetime companion through death, and is faced with a remaining life of loneliness themselves, in a strange
and unfamiliar environment.

If a member of your family, or even a friend is now confined to a nursing home or long term care facility, please don't forget them, even if you feel that they do not recognize your face or voice.

Trust me, you will bring them much needed comfort.

Set aside a time to visit and share your love with them.

You will not ever regret it, but if you abandon them, then you surely will.



Please Don't Forget Our Elderly

Let's give thought to our elderly folks,
Grandmothers, Grandfathers, Moms and Dads,
They who have shared life's lessons with us,
And whose love and support we all had.

Many of them now spend long lonely days,
In a world that they don't understand,
Those who reside in our nursing homes,
No longer in control of their plans.

Separated from familiar surroundings,
Their spouse has been called home by God,
The love that was shared for so many years,
Now lay cold and buried beneath sod.

Their sons and daughters seem to have forgot,
That their parent is now locked away,
They sit breathing the last breaths of life,
Crying to see a family member today.

Oh yes.. for a while you would visit each week,
And your presence would light up the room,
Sounds of the grandkids voices in the air,
Have now vanished completely too soon.

You have laid to rest in the back of your mind,
That your loved one no longer exists,
You've become so wrapped up in your own little world,
And feel that your presence won't be missed.

You have found your own family takes all your time,
Making sure they are loved and shown,
But always remember that you too were a child,
And had received your love and caring at home.

If you feel that by visiting your Mom or Dad,
Or grandparent is a waste of your time,
Then please think again when you don't visit,
Would you enjoy being alone and dying?

If there's memories from past family relationships,
That was unpleasant and caused you much pain,
It's time to set aside old ruins from the past,
It is you who has everything to gain.

~valentyne~ ©

The Old Man
Roma Downey